Catoctin clarion., 1887-06-02
CHARLES GUMNER'o KINDNESS.
1t Was tho Means of Saving Ono HIuA
from IL Drumknrtl's GSave.

1t Was tho Mems OF Saving Ono NIu0
from ii Drunknrd's Gave.
"Do l remember Andrew J. Robcrts;"
quotl an old state politician. "Yes lie had
a checkerod career, poor man. But with all
his shortcomings he wns q bright indeed u
brilliant, man. He was great politician
years ago, and not only took extraordinary
interest in tho great questions of tho day. but
knew intimately all tho prominent public
men. He was well read, intelligent and q
good talker, but lie had n failing. Ho could
not be depended upon, and at times was help
less.
"lIc used to hang around the state Iscpublt
can headquarters from morning until night
throughout the campaign, and campaigns
lasted in those days nearly five months 1t
was during the anti-slavcry days, when every
body was ut the highest pitch Of excitement
| remember one day in particular, when a
number of prominent politicians were assem-
hled at headquarters among them Charles
Sumner and Henry Wilson. Sumner was in
the rear room, Wilson in the front In
walked Roberts He talked in loud voico
and disturbed tho whole assembly. Stepping
into the rear room he spietl Sumner in earn
est conversation with Il friend Giving him
a tremendous slapon the shoulder, he shouted:
D. you, Sumner, how are you. Why
don't you be as hearty and genial rs your
friend Wilson?"
"Ihe cllcct Of this rough handling of Sum
ncr can readily bc imagined by thoHo who re-
member or havo read of tho dgnilicl and
scholarly man. 1t wns not only a shock, but
an insult. Sumner turned rs white as q sheet,
hut said nothing. He realized Roberts condi-
ton and wisely kept his peace. Roberts was
severely rcprimondcd and turned out of tho
room.
1T was not long after this that Roberts
came to want aud grief. He was actually
destitute. He looked hungry and was poorly
clad In despair lie came to me one day for
work or advice. Tho big tears rolled down
his checks rs he told mo how destitute and de.
graded lie was, and how ho longcd to reform
| told him had no work, and advised him to
60 to Sumner.
"'Go to Sumnor' no said. oh, no, in
suited Sumner a short time ago, emit go
"'Yes, you can,' said. Go to him just az
you have come to me, Tell him frankly tho
whole story, and ho will help you
"Hobcrts did us advised. About 10 O'Clock
tho next morning he huttoncd his shabby
coat around his neck, to hide his flannel shirt,
and made his way to the man whom he had
grossly insulted but short time before.
Sumner, it is we'll known, was always late
riser, and seldom breakfastcd before II
o'clock. lie received tho unfortunate man
kindly, and inviting him to breakfast,
listened patiently to his story. Roberts told
me ufterward that that was the first square
meal he had eaten for n long time. In less
than two days Roberts was given position
in the navy yard, and henccforth was n diff
fercnt man. When he told me later his ex-
pcricncc with Sumner that morning his eyes
filled with tears and his voice trCnbled with
emotion. 1t was Il magnanimous act on tho
part of Sumner, and an outward expression
Of bis true character
at was the turning point in Roberts
career. Only few months ago he delivered
one of the best temperance speeches | ever
heard in my life Up to tho day of his death,
which occurred quite recently, lo had Il great
vcnoraton for the memory Of Sumner, the
man who was So kind and generous to him in
trouble "-BoSton Record,